How to download Windows Phone apps using this QR generator for Google Chrome

Earlier this year, I wrote a tip for those using Google Chrome as their primary web browser. Although Microsoft's Edge is getting extension support later this year, including the porting of Chrome extensions, Chrome has them right now.

The extension that I am talking about simply auto-generates a localized QR code in the Windows Phone Store. However, Microsoft recently unified the Store and as a result, the extension broke. Today, however, it is updated and works flawlessly.

Why use it?

We get a lot of "why do you need this" questions about this tool, so I'll explain why it is nice to have:

Sometimes apps are not yet searchable in the Store if they are very new; this lets you quickly download an app from your desktop

Options are useful for users as everyone has their circumstances

It saves you time. Instead of reading about an app and then having to search the Store, you can go right to it by scanning

You may have your reasons. However, I know many of us here on staff use this because we often find apps very early on.

How 'Windows Phone Store QR' works

In Chrome just browse to the Google Chrome Store using the link below.

In case you are wondering why this extension has not gone to Opera or Firefox, the developer, George Schizas, chimed in on the matter on a Reddit thread:

"Before asking for a Firefox extension (or a Safari extension, or an Opera extension), know that I had made a Firefox extension, but Mozilla rejected it, after pondering about it for a very long time, so I'm not eager to repeat that experience."

Let us know if you'll use this trick in comments. Even better is knowing that this could be ported to Microsoft Edge in just a few months!

There is option with Edge too. Go to Store install Barcode generator (the one with green). Once installed navigate to app url (or any url you want to share) use the share button in Edge( Ctrl+H) and pick Barcode generator from the list. Scan it with your phone.